r/HorseRacingJP • u/doomslayer30000 • 1d ago
I am glad that you have a purpose for seeking knowledge but sometimes you have so outragous and repeated questions that I want to roll out of my chair so I will make all of them in advance and you can check if your question is there instead of making a post
Okay start:
- Where can I watch races:
Discord server: Pakacord! and go to voice channels
JRA or International races: Normally Saturday or Sunday
NAR races: Random days
Ask people there for schedule or go to netkeiba for JRA schedule
Note: a lot time you need a Japan VPN to access official JRA and NAR websites for schedules & official YouTube for direct streams (pakacord can lag if there's a lot of people watching)
- Difference between JRA and NAR:
In Japan, there is JRA, Japanese Racing Association. They are the central horse racing governing body, directly sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. They hold Classic races on turf, International racing races and high prestigious ... races in national level
To survive in that, u need to be big, rich and super ambitious
JRA has more races in turf more than dirt
But JRA is not the entire horse racing in Japan or keiba. There is a much smaller governing body of horse racing name National Association of Racing or NAR
It is a league of racing government from regions, they focus more in local races. Smaller owners, smaller stable, amateur jockeys
NAR has more races in dirt and barely a number of turf races
If horses from JRA got terrible results, it can be relegated to NAR to have better results or a chance to bounce back to big league
- Grade system
For JRA
Debut or Maiden - Allownce (ALW) 1 Win - ALW 2 Win - ALW 3 Win - Open - Listed - G3 - G2 - G1
There are also NAR Tiers but I only have basic knowledge so I just won't delve into that
If u don't win a single race, your race rank will always be stuck in maiden
From maiden to ALW 3 Win, you have to win a race to advance into next rank
But in special examples like lack of participants, maiden horse can enter ALW 1 Win but if they win, they advence into ALW 1 Win, not 2 Win
In reality, since Class is based on 収得賞金 'Shūtoku shōkin', which is a set of a horse's total prize money (I use the term 'qualifying earnings' for this).
Winning a 1-win Allowance race nets you exactly ¥5 million in qualifying earnings, which means that the horse still remains in 1-win class if it didn't have any qualifying earnings before-hand (i.e. from winning debut/maiden).
The vast majority of horses break maiden in a debut / maiden race, so the ones who don't are definitely edge cases. Another example is Kafuji Emmental, who broke maiden in Armeria Sho (1-win Allowance)
If a horse was absent too long or lose too much, chance is they will be demoted by a rank (I don't know how specifically, you can be immune to this by being a graded stake winner or something like that - this face isn't checked properly either so take this with grain of salt)
If you win ALW 3 Win, you became an Open horse and technically you can enter any graded stakes
Oh yeah, G1 race lets go!!!
(DRAG) Not easy like that!
Other horses are also Open like you and they think the same about enter G1!
With limit participants in a very prestigious race, total money prize will be used to allow horses to enter
What if the money prize are the same? Loterry time! If you are lucky, you will be picked. If not, go back to farm prize money
- The difference between Open and Listed
List is ungraded but still more pretigious than Open
Don't ask me why people have to add such a rank between Open and G3, Idk, I just roll
- Why there are some races called grade 1 but not G1:
NAR G1 is only called jpn1 or local G1. International Ratings only considered most of them Listed
They are rated grade 1 by local governments, not Central and any international association
Tokyo Daishoten is the only race hosted by NAR that was internationally recognized as G1
- Symboli Rudolf only had a G1 because Japan G1 were only recognized by International Association in 2007. The only International G1 Japan had before that was Japan Cup
JRA G1 had the same value as NAR G1 by that logic before 2007
Wrong! Even though before that time JRA G1 and NAR G1 were both not recognized by International Rating!
The gap in prestige, field quality and prize money is still a big big elephant
JRA G1 is rich, cool, badass
NAR G1 is comfort, mental value, soul healing for local horses but poor
How you can distinguish between them if you think they are the same?!
In conclusion, Symboli Rudolf has Seven G1
Almond Eye has nine G1
Copano Rickey has 11 Grade 1 win but three G1
r/HorseRacingJP • u/AngleRepulsive5470 • 3h ago
Yep, if Tabaru is in good condition, he will run in both Japan Cup and Arima Kinen after racing in L'Arc.
Btw Admire Terra will head straight to Arima Kinen.
And if Going to Sky participates in Japan Cup or Arima Kinen, he will probably have a new jockey.
r/HorseRacingJP • u/AngleRepulsive5470 • 3h ago
I'm gonna borrow a quote from a twitter user: danon decile is a modern equine masterpiece. how does he keep doing it? every time i think "he can't look any better than this", his body gets tighter and more muscular. he is beautiful, and his chestnut coat is the best.
And as always, his conformation photo gains the most attractions.
r/HorseRacingJP • u/Allstar12 • 8h ago
Breeder's Cup Classics (8 Total): Forever Young 5 | T O Password 1
Breeder's Cup Turf (14 Total): Deep Monster 14
Breeder's Cup Mile (14 Total): Lugal 10 | Ask Ikigomi 5
Breeder's Cup Sprint (13 Total): T O Elvis 11 | American Stage 6
Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile (11 Total): Lord Fons 6
r/HorseRacingJP • u/LN_TheDudess • 20h ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
r/HorseRacingJP • u/zahneyvhoi • 7h ago
r/HorseRacingJP • u/Demi_Suzuka_694 • 16h ago
An excerpt from the article (MTL):
Retirement at the end of this year is a foregone conclusion. "I would like to see him race for as long as possible, but to ensure a safe retirement and a life as a stud horse, I think the end of his five-year-old season is the most realistic timing." At the Select Sale in July, he hinted at the possibility of participating in the Arima Kinen, but at this point he said, "I'm still undecided. I think I'll consult with trainer Yahagi after the Breeders' Cup Classic and make a final decision." He also said that the location where he will be kept as a stud horse after retirement is "almost decided," and that a final contract will be signed and an official announcement made after the Breeders' Cup Classic.
r/HorseRacingJP • u/Fantastic_Pay_6561 • 17h ago
悪意はありません‼
r/HorseRacingJP • u/No-Breakfast-5440 • 13h ago
She's showing good result in tokyo and its also raining, is she gonna be candidate for the next hanshin merchant?
Also her mask is kinda cute
Edit : her L3F is also quite fast with 34.2s, and its the fastest at that race
r/HorseRacingJP • u/Demi_Suzuka_694 • 19h ago
And so the third of the "E" siblings will soon begin her racing career. Let's see what she got. I believe I no longer have to introduce the jockey that will most likely ride her.
r/HorseRacingJP • u/Willing-Row-6387 • 14h ago
I was looking at Kanaloa kids when I realised Bakushin is the damsire for Reve as well. I thought it was quite interesting how he seems to be doing much better as a damsire.
First of all I was curious about how much more prospect there is for him being damsire and I'm glad to say he has had plenty of support. From 1995 to 2011 he has had 1568 registered runner (to avoid early deaths didn't count foals but possible some went to just broodmare too increasing the count by justt a bit). And he actually seems to have been a very good sire in win%, out of 1,418 starters he has 1009 winners and 176 placers. I'll get to his major winners afterwards but I think this win ratio already makes him a very useful sire.
Sons
Most successful son was Grand Prix Boss who won Asahi hai and NHK Mile, 2 G1. After initial big success he started struggling to win in big races however, still did alright but but retired at age 6 with a more iffy looking record compared to initial success, did place in 3 G1 and take two G1 but very varied results. He did get good support initially but this quickly dropped it seems, I think that is still a nice WR but he did not produce any big winners best being a G3 winner.
Big Arthur a sire you still see in lists. A nice looking record (bit of ALW farming) then Takamatsunomiya and G2. Sire record honestly looks worse than the son above but this time there are 2 G2 winners.
Shonan Kampf nice looking record on this one, won Takamatsunomiya and 1 G2. This one didn't get much support at all and I'm not too sure why but probably unpopular damsire line being a mix of a Nijinsky son and China Rock, other two did have well respected damsires being SS and King Mambo. one G2 winner.
As a Damsire
Compared he has had obviously more success as a damsire.
Kitasan Black and Satono Reve I don't think I need to mention.
Kamunyak a Oaks winner that placed in Victoria mile and won 3 G2 races. We will see her racing for a while more and she will add more success to this probably.
First Force not the best records, then won Takamatsunomiya.
All in all, it's pretty fucking obvious this man does way better as a damsire. Simply given the two world class products in Kitasan and Reve. But not like there is a pattern to this either, one is Black Tide other is Kanaloa. Hopefully they keep sending more good daughters of his to leading sires given the hits this has produced.
Own pedigree
Took interest to this ofc. Had heard before about how pedigree is stayer focus but then he turned out to be sprinter. And I mean look at this, that's a sprinter if I've ever seen one. So thought I'll take a look at what happened here.
So here is the pedigree.
Tesco Boy side we know, it's pretty good on stamina but not like stamina exclusive, there are Satsuki Sho winners and some sprint winners too. Cant quite find Never Beat records but Never Say Die seems to be good on stamina with Derby and Leger win and passing it on often. Hyperion is the Stamina god and Your Highness also seems to be a stamina guy.
As for the dad himself his best other progeny outside of Bakushin is Air Jihad, so well seems he wasn't very stamina in stud at all. He himself ran usual middle distances.
Probably the source of should've been stamina horse, Taste. This guy being closely inbred to hyperion was known to be big on stamina so probably this stamina guy and middle distance Yutaka O cross was expected to be a middle/stayer.
As for the others Ambiotrix seems to be short distance horse and Gallant man should have some stamina being a mile/middle horse but on dirt.
What do I make of this? who's genes hit? idk
I'm guessing the Nasrullah inbreed on the dad hit though. I reckon Bakushin is C/T looking at how made both a great stayer and a sprinter (I'm just amateur making guesses).
r/HorseRacingJP • u/shunuhs • 17h ago
to support reconstruction efforts for kumamoto earthquake.
love that it is named to the horse. 🙏
r/HorseRacingJP • u/Fantastic_Pay_6561 • 23h ago
ゴールドシップ産駒のメイショウリリー(Meisho Lily)がJRAの登録を抹消された。
メイショウリリーは5歳の牝馬で、メイショウゴルシの全妹です。通算成績は2-4-1-15で、今後は繫殖入りすると見られます。お疲れ様でした。
r/HorseRacingJP • u/Tall_Affect_9640 • 1d ago
It hasn’t received much attention, but Going to Sky’s victory in the Kikuka Sho marks the first time in Japanese horse racing history that three consecutive generations of the same lineage have won the same G1 race.
A similar example is the three-generation Tenno Sho winning streak by Mejiro Asama/Mejiro Titan/Mejiro McQueen; this represents three consecutive victories across both the "spring and autumn" of the Tenno sho. (memo for myself: Tenno sho Autumn was 3200m by 1983)
Regarding Jockey, Yokoyama family's achievement of winning the same G1 race (Tenno sho Autumn) across three consecutive generations,
r/HorseRacingJP • u/AngleRepulsive5470 • 1d ago
Tbh, the whole thing leading up to this race is just weird to me. For some reason, no popular news websites made a big announcement about his next race, we only knew it through what his trainer said a few months ago (that he would either participate in either Cox Plate or Tenno Sho Autumn), stud book, a twitter account and the next race schedule of older horses overall on netkeiba (and probably some unpopular websites out there). I know that not every horse gets a big media announcement for every G1 they target (like Giovanni leading into the Tenno Sho Autumn), but I thought that only applied to non-G1 winners. So apparently, even G1 winners can get the same treatment? His trainer also didn't post about the upcoming race on Twitter like he had been doing ever since the Arima Kinen. But just two weeks before the race, the popular media have finally posted info about him again, and he seems to be still in good condition and ready to race. I’m glad that nothing serious happened after all, still don’t know why they are suddenly so secretive about him though.
Everyone talks about Croix, Regaleira, Yanko retiring this year, but I think there is also a chance Decile will retire at the end of this year too. If that truly happens, then I can only get to see him run in 3 more races (assuming that he will participate in all 3 ATC races). I hope Decile, Tosaki and Yasuda can give it them all and show me a memorable performance. At the very least, I want him to place in the top 3 in all 3 races. Well, if he doesn’t retire this year yet, then I will continue to cheer for him wholeheartedly next year.
r/HorseRacingJP • u/Tall_Affect_9640 • 1d ago
Three records for the oldest winner were updated this year.
r/HorseRacingJP • u/AngleRepulsive5470 • 1d ago
In terms of 2-year-old leading sire, the gap between Contrail and Saturnalia is not that big, so there is a chance that Contrail will be Efforia next main rival for that title.
r/HorseRacingJP • u/Rom_OW • 18h ago
Hey everyone!
Episode 004 of Cola Talks Keiba is out!
This week, we're back to the usual race reviews and previews, with plenty to discuss as Japan's autumn racing season continues.
In this episode, I cover:
I also briefly touch on Forever Young as we approach another exciting period of international racing.
As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Who are you backing for the Tenno Sho (Autumn)?
You can listen here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IDwlnOdTDKt4AUqvQmEuX
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cola-talks-keiba/id6822073168
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@colatalkskeiba
Thanks to everyone who's been listening and supporting the podcast so far. I genuinely appreciate it!
-Cola
r/HorseRacingJP • u/AyaToyBox • 1d ago
Kitasan Black introducing Equinox to Japan's Leading Sire...
if anything I learn the most from this subreddit it's about Kizunalings
mainly from u/WANNFH and u/doomslayer30000
Only one way to truly understand his appeal as stud stallions
that's being his offspring results..
as of this month (October 2026) He produce a total of 42 Graded race winners ....
for comparison with rival sires around his generation Epiphaneia (22), Orfevre (27),lord Kanaloa (51).
His only sin probably not produce clear successor or at least a colt winning more than 1 G1 , but lottery is perfect every crop every generation have a graded race winner among them. and those mid bosses ALW Races
Lord Kanaloa also have this similar issue but some of his colts have better record 2 G1s better than 1 G1, and Almond Eye alone already cement his legacy as a Sire.
in the end it's all about Quality Vs Quantity debate
since this hall of fame only black type horse will be listed (Graded race winner), and that's what make a stud truly desirable
2017 Crop (2020 Generation)
Akai Ito (Queen Elizabeth II G1 2021 )
Bien Fait (2019 Hakodate 2 y/o stakes G3 ,2020 Aoi Stakes G3 ,2021 Hakodate Sprint stakes G3)
Chimera Verite (Hokkaido Nisai Yushun JPNIII 2019)
Crystal Black (2020 Keisei Hai G3)
Maltese Diosa (2020 Tulip Sho G2 , 2020 Shion Stakes G2 )
Ablaze (2020 Flower Cup G3)
Deep Bond (2020 Kyoto Shimbun Hai G2, 2021-2020 Hanshin Daishoten G2 twice, 2021 Prix Foy G2)
Shamrock Hill (2021 Mermaid Stakes G3)
Teleos Bell (Queen's Prize G3, Breeders Gold Cup JPNIII)
Hagino Alegrias (Nagoya Grand Prix JPNIII,Sirius Stakes G3 Twice)
Commentary : 1st Crop Commercial value already insane, very versatile having compatibility with various BMS, Dirt or Turf horses produced, various distance type and in 2021 one of them Winning G1..
2018 Crop (2021 Generation)
Songline (2021 Fuji stakes G2, 2022 1351 Turf Sprint G2, 2022-2023 G2, Yasuda Kinen G1,2023 Victoria Mile G1)
Fine Rouge (2021 Fairy Stakes G3,2021 Shion Stakes G2)
Bathrat Leon (2021 New Zealand Throphy G2,2022Godolpin Mile G2, 2023 1351 Turf Sprint G2 2023)
Stellaria (2023 Fukushima Fillies stakes G3)
Nebiiim (2025 Hanshin Jump Spring JG3)
Commentary : Songline real capabilities only unlocked past the classic season , but retaining consistency siring graded race winner , and in 2025 one of them Unlocked the Jump horse capabilities success)
2019 Crop (2022 generation)
Ask Wild more (2022 Kyoto Shimbun Hai G2)
Parallel vision (2024 The lord Derby Challenge G3,)
Impress (2025 Niigata Jump Stakes JGIII)
Meisho Gekirin (2025 All Comers G2)
Commentary : technically only 'Ask Wild More' carry this crop, the others won long past their Classic season,and as a whole 2022 generations horses famous for being insanely packed with talents, but the previous crop carrying the reputation hence the stud demands still here
2020 Crop (2023 generation)
Conch Shell (2024 Nakayama Himba Stakes G3)
Alice Verite (2024 Mermaid Stakes G3)
Commentary : all 2023 generation have not break the allegation of being weak, I personally see them simply being pummeled by 22 or 24 generation
2021 Crop (2024 Generation)
Justin Milano (2024 Kyodo Hai, 2024 Sasuki Sho)
Double Heart Bond (2025 Miyako Stakes, 2025 Champions Cup)
Kazeno Runner (2026 Saga Kinen,2026 Kawasaki kinen)
Sixpence (2024 Spring Stakes,2024 Mainichi Okan, 2025 Nakayama Kinen, 2026 Yasuda Kinen G1 )
Queen's Walk (2024 queen cupG3,2024 Rose Stakes G2,2025 Kinshachi Stakes G2)
June Take (2024 Kyoto Shimbun Hai G2, 2026 Kyoto kinen G2)
Sunrise Zipangu (2024 Fuiraikata JPNII , 2025 Nagoya Grand Prix JPNII)
Stinger Glass (2026 Diamond Stakes G3)
Commentary : Finally a G1 classic horse .... then injured and retired. Breaking Satsuki Sho time record Justin Milano Initially expected to be the the best of the best. ... kazeno runner and sixpence only head the spotlight recently
2022 Crop (2025 Generation)
Natural Rise(2025 Keihin Cup .2025 Haneda Cup JPNI, 2025 Tokyo DerbyJPNI)
Magic Sands (2024 Sapporo Nisai Stakes G3)
Brown Ratchet (2024 Artemis Stakes G3)
Eri king (2024 Kyoto Nisai Stakes G3,2025 Kobe Shimbun Hai G2)
Lila Emblem (2025 Shinzan Kinen G3)
Satono Shining (2025 Kisaragi Sho G3)
Shonan Xanadu (2025 HOCHI HAI FILLIES' REVUE G2)
Lesedrama (2025 Flower Cup G3)
Ai Sansan (2026 Aichi Hai G3)
Commentary : Natural Rise technically Ohi Double Crown Winner but he just washed up after those Dirt Triple crown battle :( , and kizualing somewhat dominating 2 y/o and 3 y/o graded races
2023 Crop (2026 Generation)
Monroe Walk (2026 Rose Stakes G2, 2026 Shuka Sho G1)
Peintre Naif (2026 Nisai Stakes G2)
Dream Core (2026 Queen Cup G3)
Audacia (2026 Spring Stakes G2)
commentary : I am sure within 1-2 years around 5 more horses will be here winning graded races.
r/HorseRacingJP • u/thanhlebabyakuya • 14h ago
No horses with a Deep Impact-line sire and a Storm Cat-line dam that have won a grade stakes race at a distance of 2,500m or longer. Is that right?
r/HorseRacingJP • u/jermeister101 • 14h ago
Hey all, I am visiting Japan later this year and plan to attend a g3 at Tokyo Racecourse and a g1 at Kyoto. I will be entering the ticket lotteries for reserved seats for both.
I am bringing a pretty nice camera along for some good photos, including a 400mm lens for some zoom, and want to know what seats I should probably be trying to reserve if I get chosen in the lottery. I can’t find much for maps of the seating online, but I’m probably just not looking in the right places.
I know I will be able to walk around to find a good standing spot for pictures, especially during the g3, but figure trying to find a seat that has a decent vantage point probably wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Just curious if anybody has any recommendations of sections and such.
Thanks!
r/HorseRacingJP • u/New-Big2343 • 1d ago
